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A meeting will be held for parents of current eight graders, regarding registration for high school courses and the transition to high school. The meeting is Tuesday February 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the FCHS Performing Arts Center.

At the Feb. 5 Democratic Party meeting, current member Dixie Carter addressed the crowd, “I am Dixie Carter and I am announcing my candidacy for the Post 2 Commissioner seat.”

Dixie Carter announced candidacy for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner seat at the Feb. Democratic Party meeting.

“I have decided to run to be a voice and advocate for the people of Fannin County,” Carter explained. “I want to be a public servant for the people of Fannin County. One who listens to all people.”

Carter has a history of service work both professionally and personally. Holding undergraduate degrees in psychology and social work, and a master’s degree in social work, Carter’s career has covered many areas of social welfare.

Carter served as a case manager and therapist in mental health facilities across north Georgia, worked as a child protective service investigator with the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services, and was a medical social worker in Home Healthcare and Hospice.

“I’ve volunteered a little here in the community,” Carter spoke of her charity work. “Feed Fannin, I’ve been involved with them over the years. Also, the Fannin CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) team. I’m a member of the National Association of Social Workers, also the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.”

“I’ve always had that passion as a social worker,” Carter spoke of her desire to help people. “It’s really a natural progression to want to help the community.”

Carter brought up a couple of the key issues she would like to address if elected. One of these issues was increased public access areas on Lake Blue Ridge.

Carter sited Morganton Point as being the only public access point of that nature and stated that the summer months bring more visitors, leading to the area being overcrowded.

Another area where Carter would like to see change is in the Fannin County Public Library. Carter would like to see the library increased in size and moved out of the courthouse.

“Public libraries are a very important public space in the community,” Carter stated, explaining the need for this change, “and can be a key hub to community activity in many ways.”

Carter concluded her announcement to the Fannin County Democratic Party by saying, “I look forward to being a voice for the people of Fannin County, and I would consider it a privilege to represent the community.”

Carter currently runs unopposed for the Democratic seat in the May Primary Election.

Qualification for the May Primary Election will begin March 5 at 9 a.m. and will close March 9 at noon. Those wishing to run in the May Primary Election for any open seats in the county must qualify during this time.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at advertise@FetchYourNews.com

The BOEAR will see new faces on their board as well this year. The board, composed of two appointed Democrats, two appointed Republicans and a fifth member decided by the appointed members, will all be up for reappointment this year having served their two-year terms.

One member that will not be seeking reappointment is John Baird. Baird having served on the board for two years will be leaving Fannin County in the near future. This will leave the Democratic seat held by Baird open for a new Democratic appointment to fill.

Members of the Board of Elections and Registration are nominated by their parties respectively, and then voted on within that party to fill the board.

Board members are preparing to attend the Georgia Election Officials Association (GEOA) and the Voter Registrars Association of Georgia (VRAG) joint conference held March 25 to 28 in Athens, Georgia.

Attendance to this conference in mandatory for two members of the board and will keep Fannin County in compliance with Georgia state law regarding elections.

BOEAR Vice Chairman Mary Ann Conner explained the need for the mandatory attendance saying, “We (BOEAR) have to have 12 hours of training each year on voter registration and the elections, and it certifies us to hold that election.”

“We usually go to two a year,” BOEAR Chairman Sonia Smith clarified. “This one will be combined.”

Conner added, “Because of all of the elections, this is the only way they (GEOA/VRAG) can do it during an election year.”

Glenn Patterson seeks a position as Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner.

A fee of $349 is required to run for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner, and $144 is required to run for a seat with the Board of Education. The qualifying period for these positions begins March 5 at 9 a.m. and will close on March 9 at noon.

A General Primary Election for both Republicans and Democrats will take place on May 22, 2018. Voter registration deadline for the Primary Election is April 23.

Winners of the primaries will face off in the General Election to be held on Nov. 6, 2018.

Another position that will be seen on the ballot in November is that of the Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District.

The Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District is represented by two district supervisors. One of the supervisors is appointed to a two-year term while the other is elected to the position and serves a four-year term.

Currently, Fannin County is only represented by one district supervisor, Damon Davenport. Richard Stanley, the elected official, passed away in late September of 2017. The seat of the late Richard Stanley will be open to candidates in the 2018 election.

Conner pointed out a change in requirements for this position, “They have upped the petition from 20 names to 25 names.” Names on this petition must be from registered voters and can be filed with the Fannin County Board of Registration and Elections.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at advertise@FetchYourNews.com